Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1887-02-17

ior entitled them to such treatment.
They seemed to be a very loving fami-
", though not as demonstrative as
some.
The Mercer farm was large one and
consequently there was much work in
doors and out. Bessie had several op-
portunities during the first few days,
Of seeing Arthur take the heaviest bur-
dens upon himself instead Of leaYlng
them for his father or younger broth
er. He was uniformly kind and gentle
to his mother and sisters. When rest
ing at noon, little Matte and Harry
seemed to think him their especial
property to tumble over as much as
they pleased, while he was lying on the
grass in the shade.
Bessie, he treated as kindly and re.
spectfully as he would any lady who
was his mothers guest. He kept the
wood box full and never let her bring
pail of water, if he was around when it
| was needed. The whole family seemed
to place all confidence in everything he
said or did. One week Sufliced to per-
fectly satisfy Bessie in regard to Ar
thurs capabilities of making a good
husband. Yet her thoughts reverted
many times day to gay laughing Gus.
She was more than delighted one day
when Mrs. Mercer mentioned that Mrs.
| Windows seamstress was very sick
and she did not know where to find
another.
That afternoon Bessie did not feel
well and begged to 60 home for a few
days.
% mamma she cried bursting into
her mothers room, and startling that
good lady out of her nap, How fortuue
smiles on me-
Il have just found out to-day that
Mrs. Windows seamstress is sick and
she is very anxious to supply her place !;
so mother niue, this time I'll assume
the garb IF little Quakeress and be-
fore l sleep I'll know whether Dame
Fortune will assist me IN finding out
good and bad qualities of my other
suitor.'
AS Bessie passed along the broad path
leading from the gate TO the pleasant
Windon homestead, she heard Mrs.
Windon say, 1t is too bad, Gus ; your
father was so anxious TO finish that
fence to-day and could if you had obly
helped him. Mother it fatigues me to
work when it is so warm laughingly
answered Gus.
Bessie's knock ended the conversa-
tiOn. She made known her errand
and Mrs. Windon very gladly engaged
her. When MI. Windon came in he
looked tired and worried but said moth
ing.
The next morning Mrs. Windon ask
ed Gus to drive her to the city, as she
must do little shopping. 'All right
my lady mother, but please instruct
Ned to see that the carriage is at the
door when you desire it, and | shall be
quite happy to accompany you,' said
Gus, from his comfortable position on
the couch.
When the carriage was driven to the
door, he did not offer 10 assist his
mother, but sprang in and waited for
her to follow. The next morning he
took his gun and dog and went hunt
ing, though it was altogether too war m
to work.
One morning Mrs. Windon had Sc
we're headache which confined her to
her room. Bessie had nearly finished
one dress when she found it would be
necessary to have little more trim
ming. She reported the fact to Mrs.
Windon who Immediately called Gus
and asked him to take Miss D. the
seamstress, to the city that she might
match the trimming. But he very po-
litely declined the honor of riding out
with her, by saying in tone loud
enough to be perfectly understood in
the sewing room which joined Mrs.
Windows.
My dearest mother, l prefer to
choose my company when | ride out
and I am not in the habit of choosing
our hired help. What would the ele-
CANT Miss Bessie say if she should see
me in such company p
Bessie's eyes flashed for an instant
and then a queer little smile danced
around the corners of her mouth as she
murmured to herself, The die is cast,
my elegant admirer, do-nothing how
surprised you'll be when you come for
your answer
Good-hearted Ned volunteered to go,
not very gently telling his elder brother
that probably Miss D would prefer
riding with a gentleman if she went at
all.
When they returned. Neddie handed
his mother letter from her niece, AL
ice Crofton, who stated that they
might expect her and friend, Carrie
Ia 80 hn